BRIGHTON FATHER JAILED FOR FRACTURING INFANT SON DURING CANNABIS-FUELED ATTACK

A father named Benjamin Reeve has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for severely injuring his six-week-old baby by smashing him against a wall. The incident occurred after Reeve had spent the previous night smoking cannabis. The baby was brought to the hospital by his mother, who noticed his swollen head. Initially, Reeve denied causing the injuries, claiming the child had fallen or hit his head on the sofa. However, when his stepfather confronted him, Reeve eventually confessed that he had lost control and threw the baby against the wall. The injuries included a fractured skull and ribs, and doctors observed two skull fractures and multiple rib fractures. Reeve's initial denials led to suspicion on the mother, who was arrested but later proved innocent. Reeve pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial. While the child is recovering, there is concern about potential long-term brain damage, which will only be assessed when the child reaches age five. The child's grandmother expressed that he suffered nightmares and was quite nervous after the attack, but now is doing well and learning quickly. The court also noted that Reeve had assaulted the child's mother while on bail for the injury case. The judge described Reeve’s actions as akin to using a weapon against a helpless child and highlighted the dangers of cannabis abuse. Reeve’s stepfather, who reported the confession to police, was praised for his decision to come forward. The child's identity remains protected by law, but the judge allowed Reeve to be named in this case.